EP1019002B1 - Structure absorbante a couches - Google Patents

Structure absorbante a couches

Info

Publication number
EP1019002B1
EP1019002B1 EP98953326A EP98953326A EP1019002B1 EP 1019002 B1 EP1019002 B1 EP 1019002B1 EP 98953326 A EP98953326 A EP 98953326A EP 98953326 A EP98953326 A EP 98953326A EP 1019002 B1 EP1019002 B1 EP 1019002B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer region
absorbent
primary layer
layer
superabsorbent
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP98953326A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1019002A1 (fr
Inventor
Rob David Everett
Thomas Gerald Bolwerk
Richard Norris Ii Dodge
Violet May Grube
Yong Li
Shannon Kathleen Melius
Sridhar Ranganathan
David Louis Zenker
Xiaomin Zhang
Stanley Michael Gryskiewicz
Sylvia Bandy Little
Billie Jean Matthews
Debra Jean Mcdowall
Lawrence Howell Sawyer
Kuo-Shu Edward Chang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Kimberly Clark Corp
Original Assignee
Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Kimberly Clark Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=27370057&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1019002(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc, Kimberly Clark Corp filed Critical Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Publication of EP1019002A1 publication Critical patent/EP1019002A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1019002B1 publication Critical patent/EP1019002B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Revoked legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/535—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad, e.g. core absorbent layers being of different sizes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
    • A61F2013/15284—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency characterized by quantifiable properties
    • A61F2013/15406—Basis weight
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
    • A61F2013/15284—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency characterized by quantifiable properties
    • A61F2013/15422—Density
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530481—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials
    • A61F2013/530569—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials characterized by the particle size
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530481—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials
    • A61F2013/530708—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials characterized by the absorbency properties
    • A61F2013/530715—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials characterized by the absorbency properties by the acquisition rate
    • A61F2013/530722—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials characterized by the absorbency properties by the acquisition rate by the delayed absorbency
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530481—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials
    • A61F2013/530708—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials characterized by the absorbency properties
    • A61F2013/530737—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials characterized by the absorbency properties by the absorbent capacity
    • A61F2013/530744—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials characterized by the absorbency properties by the absorbent capacity by the absorbency under load

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a layered absorbent structure. More particularly, the invention relates to a layered, composite absorbent structure with individual layers which are constructed and arranged to selectively cooperate to provide desired performance parameters in the composite, layered structure.
  • absorbent articles typically contain an absorbent core to provide liquid handling and other absorbent functionalities required to meet the product performance objectives.
  • the absorbent core of absorbent articles is commonly composed of wood pulp fibers, and superabsorbent material is often distributed in the absorbent core to enhance the liquid absorbent capacity.
  • the absorbent core is usually formed in an hourglass, T-shaped, or similar configuration with reduced absorbent width in the central crotch region for wearer fit and comfort.
  • Absorbent articles frequently leak before the liquid absorbent capacity of the entire absorbent core is fully utilized.
  • One problem resulting in leakage is the inability of the absorbent core to fully uptake liquids rapidly and completely when large amounts of liquids are discharged into the absorbent article.
  • Another associated problem contributing into leakage is the inability of the absorbent core to move or distribute sufficient amounts of liquid between discharges from a target area portion of the absorbent article to more distal and more remote end regions of the absorbent core which have not been utilized. This results in saturation of only the central target area of the absorbent core and excessive thickness, bulkiness, and sagging of the wet, heavy absorbent material resulting in poor performance, product fit and wearer discomfort.
  • These absorbent core deficiencies are especially acute for thin, narrower-crotch absorbent designs having a crotch width of less than about 4 inches that provides less absorbent mass and bulk in the target area for improved product fit.
  • the absorbent core of current absorbent articles does not adequately meet current performance objectives.
  • the desirable absorbent core liquid uptake and distribution functionalities required for upstream narrower crotch higher efficiency absorbent article designs is also beyond current capabilities. Consequently, there remains a need for absorbent structures which can provide improved fluid uptake of liquid insults and improved liquid distribution to move liquid out of the target area between liquid insults to maintain this desirable liquid uptake behavior for the life of the product.
  • an absorbent article as claimed in claim 1.
  • the disclosed invention is an absorbent system which includes multiple absorbent layer regions.
  • the two or more absorbent layer regions can advantageously interact in a manner which preferentially locates an appointed liquid in a selected layer region. This localization of the liquid within this layer region can increase the potential of this layer region to move liquid through capillary action due to the higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available.
  • the intake capability of the absorbent system can be maintained or improved over current systems by keeping a second layer region of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the product as possible, while providing optimum intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.
  • the low saturation in this layer region provides void volume for the incoming insult as well as a high permeability, thus increasing the intake rate of the absorbent system as a whole.
  • the properties of this layer region can advantageously be balanced with an appropriately high level of capillary tension to provide enough control of the liquid to substantially stop undesired leakage.
  • This low saturation layer region can be used in addition to a layer of surge management material and can provide an intake functionality in addition to that provided by the surge material.
  • a body side layer of the absorbent structure may not extend over the entire surface of the absorbent system, and may be configured to provide an intake layer portion which is additional to the high saturation, wicking layer region. This arrangement can locate the intake layer region to be in a substantially direct contact with the incoming liquid, and thereby allow a more immediate access to the incoming liquid and an improved, liquid intake function.
  • the layer regions of the absorbent system can cooperated to provide a desired Liquid Wicking Potential value, such as a Liquid Liquid Wicking value of at least a minimum of about 16%
  • the invention can also provide a desired Flow Conductance Value, such as a Flow Conductance Value of at least about 7*10 -6 cm 3 .
  • the invention can provide a combined Conductance-Wicking value of at least 14*10 -6 cm 3 .
  • Further embodiments of the invention can provide a system which provides the desired Flow Conductance Value and also includes at least one layer region having the desired Liquid Wicking Potential value.
  • the absorbent article includes superabsorbent polymer (SAP) material which exhibits a particular controlled absorbency rate.
  • the desired controlled-rate superabsorbent exhibits a particular absorbency rate, Tau value.
  • the invention can include a combination of superabsorbent materials which have a particular ratio of Tau values.
  • the present can provide an article having a more efficient absorbent structure which is thin with low bulk, has high absorbent capacity, and is resistant to leakage.
  • the configurations of the invention can more fully utilize the total potential absorbent capacity of the absorbent structure, and can more efficiently move and distribute acquired liquid away from the original intake area to more remote areas which are located closer to the distal end regions of the absorbent structure.
  • the structures of the invention can provide an ability to acquire and intake liquid at a rapid rate, and can maintain the desired intake rate after the absorbent structure has been wetted and has reached a significant portion of its potential, total absorbent capacity.
  • the present invention provides an absorbent system having an absorbent core which includes multiple, layer regions and can provide significantly improved void volume, permeability, and liquid-intake performance in an appointed target region.
  • the absorbent system particularly an absorbent core portion of the system, can substantially regenerate the desired levels of void volume through a transport of the liquid out of the target region, such as by wicking or other mechanisms.
  • the liquid can advantageously be concentrated in the layer region of the absorbent core which is appointed to provide the desired, relatively high distribution of liquids, while the layer region appointed to provide void volume and intake can remain relatively low in saturation.
  • the relative basis weights or superabsorbent concentrations of the layer regions can be configured and arranged so that suitably cooperating materials with the appropriate properties will be able to work in the system and provide good performance. It has been found, however, that particular combinations can provide significantly improved performance over others. It should also be noted that the basis weights or other properties of the components may be modified in specific areas of the absorbent structure (e.g.; front vs. back) to optimize cost, other consumer attributes, or to promote desired distributions of the absorbed liquid.
  • the absorbent layer regions can be distinctively configured to cooperatively interact in a manner which preferentially locates liquid in one or more designated or appointed layer regions.
  • This localization of the liquid within a designated, layer region can increase the potential of this layer region to move and distribute liquid through capillary action, due to the relatively higher saturation level and increased amount of liquid available in the designated layer.
  • the intake capability of the absorbent system can be maintained or improved over conventional systems by keeping a primary, intake layer region of the absorbent system at low saturation levels through as many insults of the product as possible, while providing optimum intake performance through appropriate control of the composite properties.
  • the relatively low level of liquid saturation in this intake layer region provides void volume for the incoming insult as well as a high permeability, thus increasing the intake rate of the absorbent system as a whole.
  • the intake layer region can advantageously be configured to provide an appropriately high level of capillary tension to adequately control of the movement of liquid and substantially avoid undesired leakage.
  • This low saturation, intake layer region is desirably employed in addition to a separately provided surge management portion or layer, and can provide an intake functionality which is additional to that provided by the material of the surge layer.
  • the intake layer region can be located on the body side of the absorbent structure, and can be configured to not extend over the entire area expanse of the total, overall absorbent structure. Accordingly, the primary, body side layer region is employed as an intake layer region, and is not employed as the high saturation, wicking layer region. This arrangement also allows the intake layer region to be in a substantially direct contact with the incoming liquid, thereby allowing for a more immediate access to the incoming liquid and a more effective intake function.
  • the layer regions can be designed, individually or in combination, to provide an improved balance of intake and distribution functions, particularly the intake and distribution of aqueous liquids. The improved performance can, for example, be provided by modifying the physical and/or chemical composition of the component materials or by modifying the physical configurations of the components.
  • SAP superabsorbent polymer
  • the intake function can, for example, be adjusted by controlling factors such as the fiber and particle sizes of the materials in the relevant layer region, the layer-region porosity, the layer-region basis weight, and the layer-region composition.
  • the distributing or distribution function can, for example, be adjusted by controlling factors such as the fiber and particle sizes of the component materials, the liquid contact angles provided for by the materials, the liquid surface tensions provided by the liquid, and the basis weights of the materials.
  • the factors include a desired Flow Conductance Value and a desired Liquid Liquid Wicking Value provided by the absorbent system.
  • An additional factor is a combined Conductance-Wicking value provided by the system.
  • the Flow Conductance is a value which is based on the physical properties of the absorbent materials, particularly the absorbent materials which are disposed in the target area of the absorbent system, and is related to the intake capability provided by the absorbent core structure.
  • the Flow Conductance Value has a minimum of not less than about 2.5 * 10 -6 cm 3 .
  • the Flow Conductance Value is not less than 3*10 -6 cm 3 , and optionally, is not less about 3.5 * 10 -6 cm 3 to provide improved performance.
  • the Flow Conductance Value can be up to about 5*10 -6 cm 3 .
  • the Flow Conductance Value can be up to about 7*10 -6 cm 3 , and optionally, can be up to about 9*10 -6 cm 3 , or greater to provide improved performance.
  • the Liquid Wicking Potential value is a performance parameter which pertains to the amount of liquid removed from a described target area of the absorbent structure during a vertical wicking operation. This value represents the ability of the absorbent structure to remove fluid from the target area between insults, and at least one layer region of the absorbent system is configured to provide the desired Liquid Wicking Value. Desirably, at least one layer of the absorbent system, particularly at least one primary layer region of the absorbent core, can provide a Liquid Wicking Value of not less than a minimum of about 10%. Alternatively, the provided Liquid Wicking Value is not less than about 15% and optionally, is not less than about 20% .
  • the absorbent system can provide a Liquid Wicking Value of up to about 60%.
  • the provided Liquid Wicking Value can be up to about 65%, and optionally, can be up to about 70% or greater to provide further improved performance.
  • the Combined Conductance-Wicking value (C) of the system can be at least about 14* 10-6 cm 3 .
  • the Combined Conductance-Wicking value can be at least about 16*10 -6 cm 3 , and optionally can be at least about 18* 10 -6 cm 3 to provide an improved balance of performance.
  • a particular aspect of the invention includes a controlled-rate SAP in the absorbent system.
  • a controlled-rate SAP such as a selected, attenuated rate SAP
  • the concentration of liquid in a fibrous structure of appointed distributing layer region can be kept high even when the distributing layer region contains selected amounts of SAP.
  • the controlled slow-rate SAP is primarily located in a layer region which is other than the distributing layer. As a result, the low SAP layer can selectively become saturated, while the overall absorbent capacity within a thin product design is maintained at a desired high level.
  • the desired apportioning may be generated by selectively configuring the relative wettability and/or density of the layer regions.
  • an absorbent composite system 26 of the invention includes a surge management portion 84, and an absorbent pad or core structure 30.
  • the absorbent core 30 has multiple absorbent layer regions, and the properties of the individual layer regions are selected and arranged to provide improved leakage performance by balancing the intake and wicking properties of the absorbent components.
  • the absorbent core 30 of the shown configurations includes the first primary absorbent layer 48, the outermost layer of wrapsheet 28 or 36, and the components sandwiched therebetween.
  • the absorbent core of the illustrated configuration excludes the topsheet layer 24, the surge management layer 84 which does not contain superabsorbent, and the backsheet layer 22.
  • the appropriate balance of intake and wicking properties can be represented by various determining factors, such as the Flow Conductance Value, Wicking Value, basis weight, density, particle size, fiber size, relative amount of fiber, and the like, as well as combinations thereof.
  • the Flow Conductance Value of the absorbent relates to the available void volume and permeability of the structure throughout the various saturation levels typically encountered during ordinary use. To provide improved performance for the absorbent system, the liquid should be allowed to enter the absorbent structure at a rate which is as near as possible to the rate at which the liquid is delivered onto the absorbent composite structure.
  • the Flow Conductance Value can help characterize the intake potential of the overall, absorbent system 26, and can particularly help characterize the intake potential of the absorbent core 30.
  • the Liquid Wicking Value can help characterize the ability of the absorbent structure to remove fluid from the entry, target area between insults.
  • the absorbent core 30 has an overall composite core length 66, an overall composite core width 68, an overall composite core thickness 70, a crotch core width 58 and an appointed front-most edge.
  • the front-most edge is appointed for placement in a front waistband section of the article.
  • the overall composite assembly of the absorbent core 30 extends over and covers an overall core area, as illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • the individual core component layers and optional sublayers may extend over the entire absorbent core area, or may extend over a selected portion of the core area, as desired to provide desired performance.
  • each of the individual layer regions has individual dimensions.
  • the intended intake, target area 52 of the absorbent structure is a region of the absorbent core which begins at a laterally extending, cross-directional line located 24% of the length of the absorbent composite core length 66 away from a terminal, front-most edge of the absorbent core, and extends to a cross-directional line located 59 % of the absorbent composite length away from the front-most edge of the absorbent core.
  • the target area of the absorbent core can be an area of the absorbent structure which begins at a laterally extending line located approximately 3.5 inches (89 mm) from the terminal, front-most edge of the absorbent core and extends to a laterally extending line located approximately 8.5 inches (216 mm) from the front-most edge of the absorbent core.
  • the total thickness of the dry absorbent core 30 is not more than about 6 mm.
  • the thickness of the absorbent core can be not more than about 5.3 mm, and optionally, the thickness of the absorbent core can be not more than about 5 mm to provide desired benefits.
  • the thickness of the dry absorbent core 30 can be not more than about 25% of the crotch width of the absorbent core.
  • the dry absorbent core thickness can be not more than about 20% of the crotch width of the absorbent core, and optionally, can be not more than about 15% of the crotch width of the absorbent core to provide improved benefits.
  • the crotch width of the absorbent core is determined at a narrowest (smallest) lateral dimension of the crotch region located within the target area 52 of the core.
  • the overall total thickness of the dry absorbent system 26 is not more than about 8 mm.
  • the thickness of the absorbent system can be not more than about 7.3 mm, and optionally, the thickness of the absorbent system can be not more than about 7 mm to provide desired benefits.
  • the overall thickness of the dry absorbent system 26 can be not more than about 30% of the crotch width of the absorbent system.
  • the dry absorbent core thickness can be not more than about 25% of the crotch width of the absorbent system, and optionally, can be not more than about 20% of the crotch width of the absorbent system to provide improved benefits.
  • the dry thickness is measured at a restraining pressure of 0.2 psi (1.38 KPa).
  • the low bulk absorbent system 26, and particularly the absorbent core 30, can have a crotch region 54 appointed for placement between a wearer's legs wherein a narrowest (smallest) lateral dimension of the crotch region located within the target area 52 provides a minimum crotch width 58.
  • an adult product (intended for use by a person over the age of 13 years), can have a crotch width the minimum lateral dimension of which is not more than about 5.5 inches (about 14 cm) when the absorbent composite is dry.
  • the minimum crotch width 54 can be not more than about 4.5 inches (about 11.4 cm), and optionally can be not more than about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 cm) to provide improved fit and comfort.
  • a non-adult product (intended for use by a person of age 13 years or less), can have a crotch width the minimum lateral dimension of which is not more than about 4 inches (about 10 cm) when the absorbent composite is dry.
  • the minimum crotch width 54 can be not more than about 3 inches (7.6 cm), and optionally can be not more than about 2 inches (5.1 cm) to provide improved fit and comfort for the non-adult persons.
  • the layer regions in the absorbent system are arranged to include a bodyside first layer region which can be of various suitable configurations, but typically has a size which is no larger than the size of the outermost, second absorbent layer region.
  • This first, upper layer region can maintain a low saturation level throughout the use of the absorbent article, and can maintaining a high Flow Conductance Value when used in combination with the, second, lower layer region.
  • the lower layer region can be selectively shaped, such as with an hourglass or "T" configuration, and is configured to efficiently distribute and move liquid out from the target area of the absorbent composite.
  • the second, lower layer region is capable of providing the desired values of Liquid Wicking Potential, as can be determined by the Liquid Wicking Potential Value procedure described hereinbelow.
  • Fig. 1 is a representative plan view of the representative disposable diaper 20 of the present invention in its flat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., with substantially all elastic induced gathering and contraction removed). Portions of the structure are partially cut away to more clearly show the interior construction of the diaper article, and the bodyside surface of the diaper which contacts the wearer is facing the viewer.
  • the outer edges of the diaper define a periphery with longitudinally extending side edge margins 110 and laterally extending end edge margins 112.
  • the side edges define leg openings for the diaper, and optionally, are curvilinear and contoured.
  • the end edges are shown as straight, but optionally, may be curvilinear.
  • a liquid permeable topsheet layer 24 is superposed in facing relation with a backsheet layer 22, and the absorbent system is operably connected and affixed between the backsheet layer 22 and topsheet layer 24.
  • the representatively shown configuration has an absorbent composite system 26 which includes a surge management portion 84 and a retention portion for holding and storing liquid.
  • the retention portion of the illustrated absorbent system includes the absorbent core 30.
  • the surge management portion 84 is a layer positioned between the absorbent core 30 and the topsheet layer 24.
  • the surge layer 84 may optionally be positioned between the absorbent core and the backsheet layer 22, or on the bodyside surface of the topsheet.
  • the term "hydrophilic" describes fibers or the surfaces of fibers which are wetted by the aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers.
  • the degree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in terms of the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids and materials involved.
  • Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring the wettability of particular fiber materials or blends of fiber materials can be provided by a Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System, or a substantially equivalent system. When measured with such system, fibers having contact angles less than 90° are designated “wettable”, while fibers having contact angles equal to or greater than 90° are designated “nonwettable”.
  • Synthetic absorbent gelling materials typically are xerogels which form hydrogels when wetted.
  • hydrogel has commonly been used to also refer to both the wetted and unwetted forms of the material.
  • the wrap sheet can provide an absorbent wrapping which covers the major bodyside and outerside surfaces of the absorbent composite, and encloses substantially only the lateral side edges of the absorbent composite. Accordingly, both the linear and the inwardly curved portions of the lateral side edges of the wrap sheet would be closed about the absorbent composite. In such an arrangement, however, the end edges of the wrap sheet may not be completely closed around the end edges of the absorbent composite at the waistband regions of the article.
  • the high bulk fibrous materials are able to exhibit a lower density in both their wet state and dry state, and thereby increase the permeability and thickness, thus increasing the Flow Conductance Value.
  • high bulk wood pulp fibers can be achieved through various techniques, such as through chemical and/or mechanical modifications of the pulp fibers.
  • suitable high bulk fibers include mercerized fibers, crosslinked cellulose fluff pulp fibers and the like, as well as combinations thereof.
  • the desired controlled-rate superabsorbent in the at least first primary layer region exhibits a particular absorbency rate, Tau ( ⁇ ) value, which is at least a minimum value of about 0.8 min.
  • the superabsorbent Tau value is at least about 1 min, and can be at least about 2 min to provide improved performance.
  • the Tau value can be up to about 40 minutes or more.
  • the absorbent core, particularly the different layer regions of the absorbent core can advantageously incorporate a selected combination of superabsorbent materials wherein at least a selected pair of different superabsorbent materials are configured to provide a Tau-value-ratio which is equal to or greater than about 2:1.
  • the Tau-value-ratio can optionally be up to about 5:1, or more, to provide further benefits.
  • the superabsorbent material having the relatively greater Tau value is positioned relatively closer to the bodyside surface of the absorbent core.
  • a suitable technique for determining the Tau value of each superabsorbent is described in the Flooded Absorbency Under Zero Load procedure set forth in the present description.
  • a particular controlled-rate superabsorbent can be a superabsorbent wherein the individual superabsorbent particles are treated with a hydrophobic coating to provide a selected delay in the absorption of aqueous liquids into the particles.
  • the superabsorbent may be a coated particulate superabsorbent.
  • An alternative controlled-rate superabsorbent can be configured with relatively large particle sizes to provide particles having a low, surface area to volume ratio which thereby produces the desired absorbency rate.
  • the controlled-rate superabsorbent particles can also have a substantially spherical or other three-dimensional shape which operatively generates the desired low ratio of surface-area-to-volume and delayed absorbency rate.
  • the bulk chemistry of the superabsorbent polymer can be modified to provide the desired, delayed absorbency rate.
  • the controlled-rate superabsorbent may incorporate an anionic polyelectrolyte which is reversibly crosslinked with a polyvalent metal cation.
  • a water soluble complexing agent may be configured to reverse the crosslinking.
  • the shape of the layer region 48 can be rectangular, non-rectangular or irregular in shape, but desirably will not be larger than the underlying layer region, such as the second layer region 50.
  • the first layer region will be smaller than the underlying, second layer region.
  • a substantial entirety of the first primary layer region may be contained within a zone which begins at a laterally extending line positioned about 7% of the core length inboard from said front-most edge of the absorbent core and extends to a laterally extending line positioned about 62% of the core length inboard from said front-most edge of the absorbent core.
  • the longitudinally extending side edges of the first primary layer region may be substantially coterminous with the corresponding side edges of the second primary layer region.
  • the first layer region 48 may include a composite structure having a plurality of component sub-layer portions.
  • Figs. 3 and 3A representatively show a top view of an absorbent core structure having a first, top layer region 48 which extends over a medial portion of the total area of the absorbent core 30, and a second, bottom layer region 50 which extends over substantially the entire area of the absorbent core.
  • the second layer region 50 has a non-uniform, zoned basis weight distribution with a relatively greater basis weight at its longitudinally opposed end portions to provide a longitudinal, reverse zoning of the lower, second layer region, particularly in the target area.
  • the selected medial portion of the second layer region 50 can also have a basis weight which is lower than that of the adjacent, overlying first layer region 50, to provide a reversed zoned thickness in the target area.
  • the lateral side edges of the top layer region 48 are substantially coterminous with the side edges of the second layer region 50.
  • Each of the longitudinal end edges of the first layer region 48 are spaced inboard from the corresponding end edges of the second layer region 50.
  • Figs. 4 and 4A representatively show an absorbent core structure having a top layer region 48 which covers an entire front or first portion of the bottom layer region 50, but covers less than the entire back or second portion of the bottom layer region.
  • the lateral side edges and at least one longitudinal end edge of the first layer 48 are substantially coterminous with the lateral side edges and at least one longitudinal end edge of the second layer region 50. In the shown configuration, at least one longitudinal end edge of the first layer region 48 is spaced inboard from a corresponding end edge of the second layer region 50.
  • Figs. 5 and 5A representatively show an absorbent core structure having a top layer region which entirely covers a bottom layer region. While the shown configuration has a first layer region 48 and a second layer region 50 with substantially the same thicknesses and basis weights, the first and second layer regions may alternatively have different thicknesses and basis weights, as well as other differences in structure.
  • the controlled-rate superabsorbent can be configured to help regulate the rate of liquid storage in the various layer regions of the absorbent system.
  • the controlled-rate superabsorbent can provide a rate control of liquid storage in an absorbent solely as a result of the presence of the controlled-rate superabsorbent material (SAM), or in combination of the superabsorbent with other materials to provide a controlled-rate superabsorbent composite.
  • SAM controlled-rate superabsorbent material
  • the composite composed of high bulk fiber, particularly pulp fiber, and superabsorbent may also be modified by introducing a stabilizing agent to the composite material.
  • the structure stabilization can be employed to maintain or minimize changes to the structure of a particular material or to the structure of the composite of materials when exposed to external or internal forces.
  • the structure stabilization mechanism may benefit any layer region in the multiple layer-region absorbent by helping to maintain the layer region's structure when it is exposed to forces applied during in-use conditions for the products which incorporate the multiple layer absorbent core. This will help the layer region maintain its intended function, whether that be liquid intake (void volume generation), liquid storage, liquid distribution, or some combination of these three functions.
  • suitable material technologies may be employed to stabilize absorbent structures.
  • the stabilization may occur either in the form of chemical stabilization, such as with Kymene or another cross-linking agent, or by the introduction of thermoplastic binder fibers or the like.
  • the upper layer region 48 may be composed of a fibrous material based on a woven or nonwoven technology. As in the previous aspects of the invention, these materials will be configured to provide maximum void volume and permeability while maintaining enough capillary tension to control the movement of the liquid and not allow leakage to occur.
  • the absorbent cores of the present invention could incorporate nonwoven materials as functional components for the top layer region 48. Bonded carded webs are examples of particular fibrous materials that could be configured to provide an adequate balance of permeability and capillarity.
  • staple fiber options one can create a composite structure that will preferentially saturate the bottom absorbent layer 50. This can be done either through physical structuring of the top layer, controlled surface chemistry or both.
  • the porosity of fibrous structures can be determined by the specific fibers and fiber sizes selected. Fiber selection can also impact the capillarity of the material.
  • Carded webs can be stabilized through various methods. Incorporation of thermoplastic staple fibers is used in some cases so that the structure might be bonded using heat and pressure. Proper application of heat and pressure in thermal bonding can result in a structure that is stabilized with very specific permeability and capillarity. Carded structures can also be stabilized using chemical resins or adhesives. Again, selection of the specific resin or adhesive, add-on amounts and curing will facilitate control of the final web properties which impact permeability and capillarity. Wettability can be impacted by the choice of chemical resin system for bonding. Carded structures can be mechanically stabilized using water, needling, air or other means to entangle fibers. Again, these processes can be controlled in such a way that physical attributes of the material are as desired.
  • Particular aspects of the invention can incorporate a spunbonded fabric with properties similar to that described above.
  • Other aspects of the invention may also include a selected zoning of the fiber size, basis weight, or other features of the material to provide desired performance attributes.
  • airlaid fibrous materials may also be used.
  • the component materials in the first layer region 48 can be in the amounts, basis weights, densities, etc. that are described below.
  • Typical basis weights of the region of the absorbent core structure which is positioned in a front half-portion of the article can be from about 750 gsm to about 950 gsm.
  • Webs of synthetic fibers will have fiber sizes typically less than 3 denier and preferentially from 1-2 denier and will be treated to exhibit a low contact angle with water through several wettings.
  • the treatment desirably does not reduce the surface tension of the liquid which passes through the fibrous web.
  • nonwoven structures may also be suitable for use as the upper layer region 48 in absorbent system of the invention.
  • a proper balance of the capacity and capillarity of the lower layer region can ensure preferential saturation of the lower layer region over multiple insults.
  • Desired aspects of the invention can have a Liquid Wicking Value which is greater than a value of about 36%.
  • Other aspects of the invention can have a Value of greater than about 16%, and a Flow Conductance Value which is of greater than a value of about 7x10-6 cm 3 ,
  • the invention can have a Combined Conductance-Wicking Value (C) which is at least about 14* 10 -6 cm 3 .
  • the first layer region 48 can be a top, bodyside layer which can typically extend over a longitudinally medial section of the overall core area, but may optionally extend over the entire core area, if desired.
  • the top layer typically is the layer which is optimized for intake performance and may or may not provide desired levels of liquid wicking or distribution performance.
  • the first layer region typically can have a minimum basis weight of not less than about 100 gsm, and desirably can have a basis weight of not less than about 200 gsm. In further aspects, the first layer region typically can have a maximum basis weight of not more than about 500 gsm, and desirably has a basis weight of not more than about 450 gsm.
  • the first layer portion includes a minimum of not less than about 25% fibrous material by weight (wt.%), and desirably includes not less than about 40% fibrous material.
  • the first layer portion includes a maximum of not more than about 80% fibrous material, and desirably can include not more than about 60% fibrous material.
  • the fibrous material may be natural or synthetic in nature.
  • the fibrous material has a minimum fiber size, particularly a fiber diameter, of at least about 4 microns ( ⁇ m), and desirably has a fiber size of at least about 10 microns.
  • the fibrous material has a maximum fiber size of not more than about 20 microns, and desirably has a fiber size of not more than about 15 microns.
  • the first layer region 48 has a minimum density of at least about 0.03 g/cc, and desirably has a density of at least about 0.05 g/cc.
  • the first layer region has a maximum average density of not more than about 0.4 g/cc, and desirably can have a density of not more than about 0.2 g/cc.
  • the first layer region includes any tissue layers which are used to hold together the materials positioned in the first layer region or which act as a carrier mechanism. For example, several layers of tissue may be employed to hold superabsorbent material which is laminated between the tissue layers.
  • the various configurations of the invention can include any operative intake material in the selected layers of the absorbent structure. Examples of suitable intake materials can include the materials described in U.S. Patent Application Ser.
  • Any material which is operatively configured with the ability to provide improved distribution of liquid away from the target area can provide the desired functional results.
  • These materials can be composed of a laminate which includes superabsorbent particles and at least one fibrous web which is particularly configured to exhibit an improved wicking flux performance.
  • Suitable arrangements of the second layer region 50 can include, but are not limited to, laminations of particulate or fibrous superabsorbent webs with cellulosic tissue materials, or any other stabilized, fibrous web.
  • Other suitable fibrous webs may include wet laid tissue, airlaid materials incorporating staple synthetic and natural fibers, or treated meltblown webs, as well as the types of fibrous webs employed to construct the first layer region 48.
  • Another class of materials which can be used to provide improved functionality are laminates of superabsorbent particles or fibrous webs and wettable, open cell foams.
  • the distributing layer can advantageously provide particular important functions.
  • a first function includes the retention and movement of liquid away from the target area, and a second function is to provide enough short term (during liquid insult) superabsorbent capacity to make up for the shortfall in void volume associated with thin product executions.
  • Structural elements of this layer region include the SAP content, the component basis weights, and the component densities.
  • the second layer region 50 can provide a bottom layer, and can typically extend over the entire area of the of the overall absorbent core 30.
  • the second layer region 50 is typically designed to provide the bulk of the distribution or wicking ability of the absorbent core, and therefore will typically extend beyond and past the terminal edges of the area covered by the first layer region 48.
  • the second layer region typically can have a basis weight of not less than about 300 gsm, and desirably can have a basis weight of not less than about 350 gsm.
  • the second layer region typically can have a basis weight of not more than about 700 gsm, and desirably has a basis weight of not more than about 450 gsm.
  • the second layer portion typically includes not less than about 50% fibrous material by weight, and desirably includes not less than about 60% fibrous material.
  • second layer portion typically can include not more than about 80% fibrous material, and desirably can include not more than about 75% fibrous material.
  • the fibrous material may be natural or synthetic in nature.
  • the fibrous material can have a fiber size, particularly a fiber diameter, of at least about 4 microns, and desirably has a fiber size of at least about 10 microns.
  • fibrous material can have a fiber size of not more about 20 microns, and desirably has a fiber size of not more than about 15 microns.
  • the fibrous material can have a contact angle with water of not more than about 65 degrees, and desirably has a contact angle with water of not more than about 50 degrees.
  • the second layer portion can also contain not less than about 20% of superabsorbent material, by weight, and desirably contains not less than about 30% superabsorbent. in additional aspects, the second layer portion can include not more than about 50% superabsorbent material, and desirably can include not more than about 40% superabsorbent.
  • the superabsorbent material can have a dry particle size of not less than about 140 microns, and desirably has a dry particle size of not less than about 300 microns. In other aspects the superabsorbent material can have a dry particle size of not more than about 1000 microns, and desirably can have a dry particle size of not more than about 700 microns.
  • the superabsorbent material in the first layer region 48 is configured to have a Tau value which is about twice the Tau value of the superabsorbent located in the second layer region 50 (Tau-value-ratio of about 2:1).
  • the Tau-value-ratio can alternatively be at least about 2.5:1, and optionally, can be at least about 3:1 to provide desired characteristics.
  • the combination of superabsorbent materials in the first and second layer regions can be configured to provide a Tau-value-ratio of up to about 10:1, and alternatively, the combination of superabsorbent materials can be configured to provide a Tau-value-ratio of up to about 40:1, or more.
  • the second layer region 50 can typically have an average density of at least about 0.1 g/cc, and desirably has a density of at least about 0.15g/cc. In other aspects, the second layer region can have an average density of not more than about 0.3 g/cc, and desirably can have a density of not more than about 0.25 g/cc. In particular aspects, the average density can be about 0.2 g/cc.
  • the second layer region includes any tissue layers which are used to hold together the materials positioned in the second layer region or which act as a carrier mechanism. For example, several layers of tissue may be employed to hold a layer of superabsorbent material which is laminated between the tissue layers.
  • the leg elastic members 34 are located in the lateral side margins 110 of the diaper, and are arranged to draw and hold the diaper 20 against the legs of the wearer.
  • the elastic members are secured to diaper 20 in an elastically contractible condition so that in a normal under strain configuration, the elastic members effectively contract against diaper 20.
  • the elastic members can be secured in an elastically contractible condition in at least two ways, for example, the elastic members may be stretched and secured while diaper 20 is in an uncontracted condition.
  • diaper 20 may be contracted, for example, by pleating, and the elastic members secured and connected to diaper 20 while the elastic members are in their relaxed or unstretched condition. Still other mechanisms, such as heat-shrink elastic material, may be used to gather the garment.
  • leg elastic members 34 extend essentially along the complete length of the intermediate crotch region 42 of the diaper 20.
  • elastic members 34 may extend the entire length of the diaper 20, or any other length suitable providing the arrangement of elastically contractible lines desired for the particular diaper design.
  • Elastic members 34 may have any of a multitude of configurations.
  • the width of the individual elastic members 34 may be varied from about 0.25 millimeters (about 0.01 inch) to about 25 millimeters (about 1.0 inch) or more.
  • the elastic members may comprise a single strand of elastic material, or may comprise several parallel or non-parallel strands of elastic material, or may be applied in a rectilinear or curvilinear arrangement. Where the strands are non-parallel, two or more of the strands may intersect or otherwise interconnect within the elastic member.
  • the elastic members may be affixed to the diaper in any of several ways which are known in the art.
  • the elastic members may be ultrasonically bonded, heat and pressure sealed using a variety of bonding patterns, or adhesively bonded to diaper 20 with sprayed or swirled patterns of an adhesive, such as a hotmelt, pressure-sensitive adhesive.
  • the leg elastic members 34 may include a carrier sheet to which are attached a grouped set of elastics composed of a plurality of individual elastic strands.
  • the elastic strands may intersect or be interconnected, or be entirely separated from each other.
  • the carrier sheet may, for example, comprise a 0.002 cm thick polymer film, such as a film of unembossed polypropylene material.
  • the elastic strands can, for example, be composed of LYCRA elastomer available from DuPont, a business having offices in Wilmington, Delaware.
  • Each elastic strand is typically within the range of about 470 - 1500 decitex (dtx), and may be about 940 - 1050 dtx.
  • three or four strands can be employed for each elasticized legband.
  • the leg elastics 34 may be generally straight or optionally curved.
  • the curved elastics can be inwardly bowed toward the longitudinal centerline of the diaper.
  • the curvature of the elastics may not be configured or positioned symmetrically relative to the lateral centerline of the diaper.
  • the curved elastics may have an inwardly bowed and outwardly bowed, reflex-type of curvature, and the length-wise center of the elastics may optionally be offset by a selected distance toward either the front or rear waistband of the diaper to provide desired fit and appearance.
  • the innermost point (apex) of the set of curved elastics can be offset towards the front or rear waistband of the diaper, and the outwardly bowed reflexed-portion can be positioned toward the diaper front waistband.
  • the diaper 20 can also include a pair of elasticized containment flaps 82 which extend generally length-wise along the longitudinal direction 86 of the diaper.
  • the containment flaps are typically positioned laterally inboard from leg elastics 34, and substantially symmetrically placed on each side of the lengthwise, longitudinal centerline of the diaper.
  • each containment flap 82 has a substantially fixed edge portion 81 and a substantially moveable edge portion 83, and is operably elasticized to help each containment flap to closely contact and conform to the contours of the wearer's body. Examples of suitable containment flap constructions are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,704,116 issued November 3, 1987, to K. Enloe, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith.
  • the containment flaps may be composed of a wettable or a non-wettable material, as desired.
  • the containment flap material may be substantially liquid-impermeable, may be permeable to only gas or may be permeable to both gas and liquid.
  • Other suitable containment flap configurations are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 206,816 of R. Everett et al., filed March 4, 1994 and entitled ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING AN IMPROVED SURGE MANAGEMENT (attorney docket No. 11,375) which issued as U.S. Patent No. 5,562,650, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith.
  • diaper 20 may include elasticized waist flaps, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,753,646 issued June 28, 1988, to K. Enloe, and in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 560,525 of D. Laux et al. entitled AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED ELASTIC MARGINS AND CONTAINMENT SYSTEM and filed December 18,1995 (attorney docket No. 11091), the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith.
  • the waist flaps may be composed of a wettable or non-wettable material, as desired.
  • the waist flap material may be substantially liquid-impermeable, permeable to only gas, or permeable to both gas and liquid.
  • a configuration which employs a releasable, interengaging mechanical fastening system can, for example, locate a first portion of the mechanical fastener on the landing zone 78 and a second, cooperating portion of the mechanical fastener on the fastener tab 44.
  • the hook material 46 can be operably connected to the fastener tabs 44 and the loop material 80 can be operably connected to the landing zone 78.
  • the loop material can be operably connected to the fastener tabs 44 and the hook material can be operably connected to the landing zone.
  • a tape fastener tab 44 can be located at either or both of lateral end regions 116 and 118 of either or both of the waistbands 38 and 40.
  • the representatively shown embodiment for example, has the fasteners tabs 44 located at the distal side edges of the rear waistband 40.
  • the backsheet layer 22 can have an appointed fastener landing zone 78 disposed on an outward surface of the backsheet layer.
  • the article can include a system of side panel members 90.
  • each side panel member 90 extends laterally from the opposed lateral ends of at least one waistband portion of backsheet 22, such as the representatively shown rear waistband portion 40, to provide terminal side sections of the article.
  • each side panel can substantially span from a laterally extending, terminal waistband edge 106 to approximately the location of its associated and corresponding leg opening section of the diaper.
  • Diaper 20 for example, has a laterally opposed pair of leg openings formed by appointed, medial sections of the shown pair of longitudinally extending, side edge regions 110 (Fig. 1).
  • Each side panel can span a longitudinal distance of at least about 4 cm, optionally may span a longitudinal distance of at least about 5 cm, and alternatively may span a distance of at least about 6 cm to provide improved fit.
  • the side panels may be integrally formed with a selected diaper component.
  • side panels 90 can be integrally formed from the layer of material which provides backsheet layer 22, or may be integrally formed from the material employed to provide topsheet 24.
  • the side panels 90 may be provided by one or more separate members that are connected and assembled to the backsheet 22, to the topsheet 24, in between the backsheet and topsheet, and in various fixedly attached combinations of such assemblies.
  • each of the side panels 90 may be formed from a separately provided piece of material which is then suitably assembled and attached to the selected front and/or rear waistband portion of the diaper article.
  • each side panel 90 is attached to the rear waistband portion of backsheet 22 along a side panel attachment zone 94, and can be operably attached to either or both of the backsheet and topsheet components of the article.
  • the shown configurations have the inboard, attachment zone region of each side panel overlapped and laminated with its corresponding, lateral end edge region of the waistband section of the article.
  • the side panels extend laterally to form a pair of opposed waist-flap sections of the diaper, and are attached with suitable connecting means, such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, clips, staples, sewing or the like. Desirably, the side panels extend laterally beyond the terminal side edges of the backsheet layer and topsheet layer at the attached waistband section of the article.
  • the side panels 90 may be composed of a substantially non-elastomeric material, such as polymer films, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
  • side panels 90 are composed of a substantially elastomeric material, such as a stretch-bonded-laminate (SBL) material, a neck-bonded-laminate (NBL) material, an elastomeric film, an elastomeric foam material, or the like, which is elastomerically stretchable at least along the lateral direction 88.
  • SBL stretch-bonded-laminate
  • NBL neck-bonded-laminate
  • elastomeric film elastomeric film
  • elastomeric foam material or the like, which is elastomerically stretchable at least along the lateral direction 88.
  • suitable meltblown elastomeric fibrous webs for forming side panels 90 are described in U.S.P. 4,663,220 issued May 5, 1987 to T.
  • the elastomeric side panels 90 can desirably provide an elongation at peak load of at least about 30 percent when subjected to a tensile force load of 0.33 pounds per lineal inch of the sample dimension that is measured perpendicular to the direction of the applied load (about 0.58 Newtons/cm).
  • the elastomeric side panel material can provide an elongation of at least about 100%, and optionally can provide an elongation of at least about 300% to provide improved performance.
  • Each of the side panels 90 extends laterally from opposed lateral ends of at least one waistband section of the diaper 20. In the shown embodiment, each side panel extends laterally from opposed lateral ends of the rear waistband section of the backsheet 22.
  • Each of the side panels includes a relatively outboard, terminal free end region 92 which has a longitudinally extending length dimension.
  • Each side panel also has a laterally extending width dimension and a base region attachment zone 94 which has a lapped, construction bond attachment to either or both of the topsheet and backsheet layers.
  • the side panels may have a tapered or otherwise contoured shape in which the base length of the side panel attachment zone 94 is larger than the length of the relatively outboard distal end region 92. Alternatively, the length of the attachment zone 94 may be smaller than the length of the relatively outboard distal end region 92.
  • the side panels may have a substantially rectangular shape or a substantially trapezoidal shape.
  • a stress beam section 98 can be constructed on each of the side panels 90 along its outboard, free end region 92 to more evenly distribute tensile stresses across the side panel area.
  • the stress beam section is configured with a relatively high stiffness value, and in desired configurations, the stress beam section extends along substantially the entire longitudinal length of the side panel outboard region 92.
  • a fastening tab 44 can be connected to extend laterally from the stress beam section of each of the side panels 90 for securing the waistband sections of the article about a wearer during the use of the article.
  • Each fastening tab 44 can include a carrier layer 56 which interconnects an inboard edge region of the selected fastening component, such as the shown hook member 46, to the outboard edge region of its associated and corresponding side panel 90.
  • the carrier layer has a laterally inboard, first side region and a laterally outboard, second side region.
  • the first side region is laminated, or otherwise connected and affixed, to the side panel with an operable construction bond.
  • the side panel material, the carrier layer material and the configuration of the construction bond are constructed and arranged to form the operative stress beam section 98.
  • an additional layer of reinforcement material may be included along the stress beam region to increase the stiffness of the beam and to further improve its ability to spread stresses along the longitudinal dimension of the side panel.
  • the inboard region of the carrier layer 56 may have a longitudinal extent which is less than the longitudinal dimension of the outboard, free edge portion 92 of the side panel 90.
  • the carrier layer 56 can have a longitudinal extent which is substantially equal to (e.g. Fig. 1) or greater than the longitudinal dimension of the outboard portion of the side panel.
  • the member of hook material 46 is laminated, or otherwise connected and affixed, to the outboard region of the carrier layer with an operable construction attachment.
  • the shown hook member 46 is laminated to a inward, bodyside surface of the carrier layer with the hook elements extending generally inwardly of the article.
  • the outboard, laterally distal edge of the second carrier edge region is coterminous with the outboard, laterally distal edge of the hook member 46.
  • the outboard, laterally distal edge of the second carrier edge region may be spaced laterally inboard from the terminal, laterally distal edge of the hook member 46. In either configuration, the laterally distal edge of the hook member 46 provides the laterally terminal edge of the article.
  • the longitudinally extending, relatively outboard edge of the side panel member 90 may be spaced from the longitudinally extending, relatively inboard edge of the selected fastening region by a carrier spacing distance. More particularly, the outboard edge of the side panel member 90 can also be spaced from the relatively inboard edge of the hook member 46 by the carrier spacing distance.
  • the spacing distance optionally has a lateral extent which is equal to or greater than the lateral extent of the fastening region.
  • the inwardly facing, bodyside surface of the carrier layer 56 is constructed to have a limited, mechanical interengageability with the hook elements.
  • the fastener tab 44 can be folded along a longitudinally extending fold line to selectively locate and configure the fastening region in a storage position with the hook elements placed and held against the bodyside surface of the carrier layer 56.
  • the level of engagement between the hook material and the carrier layer need only be enough to maintain the storage position.
  • the engagement may provide a single-peak, peel force value within the range of about 1- 50 grams of force.
  • the material of carrier layer 56 can be composed of a substantially non-elastomeric material, such as polymer films, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
  • the carrier web material may be composed of a substantially elastomeric material, such as a stretch-bonded-laminate (SBL) material, a neck-bonded-laminate (NBL) material, an elastomeric film, an elastomeric foam material, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
  • the elastomeric material is elastomerically stretchable at least along the lateral direction 88.
  • the carrier web material can be composed of a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) fabric having a core of meltblown fibers sandwiched between two facing layers of spunbond fibers to provide a total composite basis weight within the range of about 50 - 67 g/m 2 (about 1.5-2 oz/yd 2 ).
  • the carrier web material may be entirely composed of a nonwoven spunbond fabric having a basis weight within the range of about 50 - 67 g/m 2 (about 1.5 - 2 oz/yd 2 ).
  • the mechanical fasteners cooperatively employed with the various configurations of the invention can be provided by mechanical-type fasteners such as hooks, buckles, snaps, buttons and the like, which include cooperating and complementary, mechanically interlocking components.
  • the fastening means can be provided by a hook-and-loop fastener system, a mushroom-and-loop fastener system, or the like (collectively referred to as hook-and-loop fasteners).
  • hook-and-loop fasteners generally comprise a "hook” or hook-like, male component, and a cooperating "loop” or loop-like, female component which engages and releasably interconnects with the hook component. Desirably, the interconnection is selectively releasable.
  • Conventional systems are, for example, available under the VELCRO trademark.
  • VanGompel et al. the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith.
  • Examples of fastening tabs constructed with a carrier layer 56 are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/603,477 of A. Long et al., entitled MECHANICAL FASTENING SYSTEM WITH GRIP TAB and filed March 6, 1996 (attorney docket No. 12,563) which issued as U.S. Patent No. 5,624,429, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in a manner which is consistent herewith.
  • the hook material member 46 is operably connected to the fastening tab 44, and the loop material 80 is employed to construct at least one cooperating landing zone 78.
  • the landing zone for example, can be suitably positioned on the exposed, outward-side surface of the backsheet 22.
  • an alternative configuration of the hook-and-loop fastening system may have the loop material secured to the fastener tab 44 and may have the hook material employed to form the landing zone 78.
  • the hook material member 46 can be of the type referred to as micro-hook material.
  • a suitable micro-hook material is distributed under the designation CS200 and is available from 3M Company, a business having offices in St. Paul, Minnesota.
  • the micro-hook material can have hooks in the shape of mushroom "caps", and can be configured with a hook density of about 1600 hooks per square inch; a hook height which is within the range of about 0.033 - 0.097 cm (about 0.013 to 0.038 inch); and a cap width which is within the range of about 0.025 - 0.033 cm (about 0.01 to 0.013 inch).
  • the hooks are attached to a base film substrate having a thickness of about 0.0076- 0.01 cm (about 0.003-0.004 inch) and a Gurley stiffness of about 15 mgf (milligrams-force).
  • micro-hook material is distributed under the designation VELCRO CFM-29 1058, and is available from VELCRO U.S.A., Inc., a business having offices in Manchester, New Hampshire.
  • the micro-hook material can have hooks in the shape of angled hook elements, and can be configured with a hook density of about 264 hooks per square centimeter (about 1700 hooks per square inch); a hook height which is within the range of about 0.030 - 0.063 cm (about 0.012 - 0.025 inch); and a hook width which is within the range of about 0.007 to 0.022 cm (about 0.003 to 0.009 inch).
  • the hook elements are coextruded with a base layer substrate having a thickness of about 0.0076 - 0.008 cm (about 0.003 - 0.0035 inch) and the member of hook material has a Gurley stiffness of about 12 mgf (12 Gurley Units).
  • the various stiffness values are determined with respect to a bending moment produced by a force which is directed perpendicular to the plane substantially defined by the length and width of the component being tested.
  • a suitable technique for determining the stiffness values described herein is a Gurley Stiffness test, a description of which is set forth in TAPPI Standard Test T 543 om-94 (Bending Resistance of Paper (Gurley type tester)).
  • a suitable testing apparatus is a Gurley Digital Stiffness Tester; Model 4171-D manufactured by Teledyne Gurley, a business having offices in Troy, New York.
  • the loop material can be provided by a nonwoven, woven or knit fabric.
  • a suitable loop material fabric can be composed of a 2 bar, warp knit fabric of the type available from Guilford Mills, Inc., Greensborough, North Carolina under the trade designation #34285, as well other of knit fabrics.
  • Suitable loop materials are also available from the 3M Company, which has distributed a nylon woven loop under their SCOTCHMATE brand. The 3M Company has also distributed a liner-less loop web with adhesive on the backside of the web, and 3M knitted loop tape.
  • the loop material need not be limited to a discrete landing zone patch.
  • the loop material can, for example, be provided by a substantially continuous, outer fibrous layer which is integrated to extend over substantially the total exposed surface area of a cloth-like outer cover employed with the diaper 20.
  • the resultant, cloth-like backsheet 22 can thereby provide the loop material for an operative "fasten anywhere" mechanical fastening system.
  • the area extent of the loop material will depend on the cost of the material.
  • the fastening elements in the various constructions of the invention may be operably attached to its base layer by employing any one or more of the attachment mechanisms employed to construct and hold together the various other components of the article of the invention.
  • the fastening elements in the various fastening regions may be integrally formed, such as by molding, co-extrusion or the like, along with the associated base layer.
  • the base layer and the mechanical fastening elements can be formed from substantially the same polymer material, and there need not be a discrete step of attaching the fastening elements to an initially separate hook base layer.
  • the hook elements can be integrally formed simultaneously with the hook base layer by coextruding the base layer and hook elements from substantially the same polymer material.
  • the strength of the attachment or other interconnection between the base layer and the attached fastening component should be greater than the peak force required to remove the fastener tab 44 from its releasable securement to the appointed landing zone of the article.
  • the thickness height (h) of each layer in its partially saturated state can be determined by again using the inputs as determined above and the following procedure:
  • the values of the partial saturation thickness height (h) can the be employed in the equations employed to calculate the Flow Conductance Value for the absorbent composite system.
  • the Flow Conductance of the absorbent core at a liquid loading of 0.6 g/cm 2 of absorbent is used to reflect the intake capability of an absorbent core structure when the core is in its partially saturated state.
  • the permeability (K) of each layer in the core can be computed as follows: Each layer in the absorbent core-is a combinations of substantially non swelling fibers and superabsorbent particles, fibers or flakes.
  • K ( 0.30 ( S A V ) 2 ) ( 1 ⁇ ⁇ ) ( ⁇ 1 ⁇ ⁇ ) 2.5
  • K ( 0.3555 ( S A V ) 2 ) ( 1 ⁇ ⁇ ) ( ⁇ 1 ⁇ ⁇ ) 2.35
  • S A V is the surface area to volume ratio of the solid portion in cm -1
  • porosity, ⁇ is the ratio of the pore volume to the total volume of the entire medium.
  • the surface area per volume (SA/V) terms used in the permeability equations for the various components are calculated using the surface area per volume expressions for either fibers or particles, as appropriate for the morphology of the individual component.
  • the surface area to volume ratio is equal to the perimeter to area ratio , p a of a cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinders.
  • the perimeter to area ratios can be determined by microscopic techniques well known in the art. For example, see E.E. Underwood, Quantitative Stereology , Addison Wesley Publishing Co. (1970).
  • the surface area to volume ratio of substantially non-swelling fibers can be determined by using a "SA/V" value (for the fiber's surface area to volume ratio) which is appropriate to that fiber's cross-sectional shape.
  • SA/V surface area to volume ratio
  • fluff fibers are generally ribbon-like, with a rectangular cross-sectional shape.
  • S A / V 3000 cm ⁇ 1
  • the particle size distribution is multi-modal, e.g. bi-modal
  • a separate permeability for each modal group should be used in the self-consistent calculation of the permeability of the composite material detailed below.
  • a count-weighted surface area to volume ratio should be calculated for each modal group, as described above.
  • at least 6 to 8 different particle size fractions should be used to estimate the particle size distribution of the superabsorbent.
  • the swelling of the superabsorbent with the absorption of liquid further complicates the process of incorporating the contributions of the superabsorbent into the determination of the composite permeability.
  • the size, and therefore surface area to volume ratio, of the superabsorbent will depend on the level of saturation of the superabsorbent.
  • Tau interpolated time to reach 60% of the equilibrium absorption capacity. This is done by calculating the capacity at 60% of the equilibrium value, then estimating the correspond time to reach this capacity from the graph.
  • the interpolated time to reach 60% capacity (by this procedure), is obtained by performing a linear interpolation with the data points that lay to either side of the estimated time.
  • This example has a Flow Conductance Value of 2.85 x 10 -6 cm 3 and a Liquid Wicking Value of 41.2%.
  • This example has a Flow Conductance Value of 4.05 x 10 -6 cm 3 and a Liquid Wicking Value of 40.0%.
  • the upper layer has a basis weight of 250 gsm and is composed of 67%, 1 dpf PE/PP in a side by side configuration with the split of polymer being 50:50 and 33% 53C superabsorbent available from Dow Chemical Co.
  • the Dow 53C superabsorbent has a ⁇ of 8.5 minutes; a FAULZ capacity of 33 g/g; and a 0.3 psi MAUL value of 26.2 g/g.
  • the material is utilized in the shape of the layer 48, as shown in Figure 2, and has a density of 0.060 g/cc.
  • This example has a Flow Conductance Value of 3.37 x 10 -6 cm 3 and a Liquid Wicking Value of 43.7%.
  • Example # Upper Layer SAP Type SAP BW Upper Layer Fluff Type Fluff BW Lower Layer SAP Type SAP BW Lower Layer Fluff Type Fluff BW Example 5 A SXM 880 215 gsm CR -1654 400 gsm SXM 880 78 gsm CR -1654 232 gsm Example 6 B 20/30 SXM 870 269 gsm CCLC 292 gsm 60/100 SXM 870 529 gsm CCLC 294 gsm Example 7 B SXM 870 159 gsm CCLC 295 gsm 60/100 SXM 870 319 gsm CCLC.
  • Example 8 B 20/30 SXM 870 99 gsm CCLC 281 gsm 60/100 SXM 870 239 gsm CCLC 281 gsm
  • Example 9 C N/A CCLC 300 gsm SXM 880 250 gsm CR -1654 250 gsm
  • Example 5 is representative of the structure taught by USP 5,356,403 to Faulks, et al.
  • the upper layer had a density of 0.2 g/cc
  • the lower layer had a density of 0.3 g/cc.
  • Examples 6 through 8 are representative of the structures taught by EP 0 631 768 A1 of Plischke, et al..
  • the superabsorbent is sieved to the listed particle size in mesh; e.g. 20/30 mesh (600 to 850 ⁇ m), 60/100 mesh (150 to 250 ⁇ m).
  • the SXM 880 superabsorbent has a ⁇ of 4 minutes; a FAULZ capacity of 38 g/g; and a 0.3 psi MAUL value of 29.8 g/g.
  • the SXM 870 superabsorbent has a ⁇ of 4 minutes; a FAULZ capacity of 32.5 g/g; and a 0.3 psi MAUL value of 27 g/g.
  • the "20/30 SXM 870" superabsorbent has a ⁇ of 6.4 minutes; a FAULZ capacity of 34 g/g; and a 0.3 psi MAUL value of 28.8 g/g.
  • the "60/100 SXM 870" superabsorbent has a ⁇ of 3.3 minutes; a FAULZ capacity of 27.5 g/g; and a 0.3 psi MAUL value of 25.3 g/g.
  • Examples 5 - 9 exhibited the characteristics set forth in the following Table.

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Abstract

Un article absorbant caractéristique comporte une partie centrale absorbante à couches absorbantes multiples, les couches absorbantes interagissant de manière à transférer de préférence le liquide absorbé dans une couche d'imbibition haute saturation désignée. Le fait que le liquide se trouve dans cette couche d'imbibition permet d'accroître le potentiel de cette couche à déplacer le liquide par capillarité en raison du taux de saturation élevé et d'une quantité croissante de liquide disponible. On maintient ou on améliore la capacité d'absorption du système absorbant par rapport à des systèmes actuels en maintenant des taux de saturation faibles dans une deuxième couche du système absorbant lors de salissures aussi fréquentes que possible, tout en assurant des performances d'absorption optimales par un ajustement approprié des propriétés du composite. Le faible taux de saturation de cette couche permet d'assurer un volume de vide pour les salissures entrantes ainsi qu'une grande perméabilité, ce qui permet d'accroître le taux d'absorption du système absorbant dans son ensemble; mais la structure de la couche à faible taux de saturation est aussi équilibrée en vue de conférer un taux suffisamment élevé de tension capillaire pour obtenir assez de rétention de liquide afin d'empêcher des fuites.

Claims (18)

  1. Article absorbant incluant un noyau absorbant ayant une première région de couche primaire et au moins une seconde région de couche primaire ;
    ledit noyau absorbant ayant une longueur longitudinale, une largeur transversale et un bord appelé le plus avant ;
    ladite première région de couche primaire ayant une masse surfacique qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 100 g/m2 et n'est pas supérieure à environ 500 g/m2,
    ladite première région de couche primaire ayant une masse volumique de première région de couche qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 0,03 g/cm3 et n'est pas supérieure à environ 0,4 g/cm3 ;
    ladite première région de couche primaire incluant un matériau fibreux en une quantité qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 25% en poids et n'est pas supérieure à environ 80% en poids ;
    ledit matériau fibreux incluant des fibres ayant des tailles de fibre qui ne sont pas inférieures à environ 4 µm et ne sont pas supérieures à environ 20 µm ;
    ledit matériau fibreux incluant des fibres présentant un angle de contact avec l'eau qui n'est pas supérieur à environ 65 degrés ;
    ladite première région de couche primaire incluant un matériau superabsorbant en une quantité qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 20% en poids et n'est pas supérieure à environ 75% en poids ;
    ledit matériau superabsorbant incluant des particules superabsorbantes ayant des tailles de particule qui ne sont pas inférieures à environ 140 µm et ne sont pas supérieures à environ 1000 µm ;
    ledit matériau superabsorbant ayant une valeur MAUL qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 20 g/g ; et
    ledit matériau superabsorbant ayant une valeur Tau qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 0,8 min.
  2. Article selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite première région de couche primaire est sensiblement coterminale avec les bords latéraux de ladite seconde région de couche primaire ; et
    ladite première région de couche primaire est contenue au sein d'une zone qui commence au niveau d'une ligne s'étendant transversalement, positionnée, vers l'intérieur depuis ledit bord le plus avant du noyau absorbant, à environ 7% de la longueur du noyau et s'étendant vers une ligne s'étendant transversalement, positionnée, vers l'intérieur depuis ledit bord le plus avant du noyau absorbant, à environ 62% de la longueur du noyau.
  3. Article selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel ladite première région de couche primaire inclut un matériau liant.
  4. Article selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel ladite première région de couche primaire inclut une pluralité de sous-couches.
  5. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une étendue longitudinale qui est supérieure à une étendue longitudinale de ladite première région de couche primaire ; et ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une étendue transversale qui est sensiblement coterminale avec ladite première région de couche primaire.
  6. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une étendue longitudinale qui est supérieure à une étendue longitudinale de ladite première région de couche primaire ;
    ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une étendue transversale qui est inférieure à une étendue transversale de ladite première région de couche primaire ; et
    une étendue transversale d'au moins une portion de ladite seconde région de couche primaire n'est pas inférieure à environ 30% d'une étendue transversale d'une portion adjacente correspondante de ladite première région de couche primaire.
  7. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une étendue longitudinale qui est supérieure à une étendue longitudinale de ladite première région de couche primaire ;
    ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une étendue transversale qui est supérieure à une étendue transversale de ladite première région de couche primaire ;
    une étendue transversale d'au moins une portion de ladite première région de couche primaire n'est pas inférieure à environ 30% d'une étendue transversale d'une portion adjacente correspondante de ladite seconde région de couche primaire.
  8. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une masse surfacique sensiblement uniforme.
  9. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une masse surfacique qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 300 g/m2 et n'est pas supérieure à environ 700 g/m2 ;
    ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une masse volumique de seconde région de couche qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 0,1 g/cm3 et n'est pas supérieure à environ 0,3 g/cm3 ;
    ladite seconde région de couche primaire inclut un matériau fibreux en une quantité qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 50% en poids et n'est pas supérieure à environ 80% en poids ;
    ledit matériau fibreux inclut des fibres ayant des diamètres de fibre qui ne sont pas inférieurs à environ 4 µm et ne sont pas supérieurs à environ 20 µm ;
    ledit matériau fibreux inclut des fibres présentant un angle de contact avec l'eau qui n'est pas supérieur à environ 65 degrés ;
    ladite seconde région de couche primaire inclut un matériau superabsorbant en une quantité qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 20% en poids et n'est pas supérieure à environ 50% en poids ; et
    ledit matériau superabsorbant inclut des particules superabsorbantes ayant des tailles de particule qui ne sont pas inférieures à environ 140 µm et ne sont pas supérieures à environ 1000 µm.
  10. Article selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit matériau superabsorbant dans ladite seconde région de couche primaire a une valeur MAUL qui n'est pas inférieure à environ 20 g/g et une valeur Tau d'au moins environ 0,4 minute.
  11. Article selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel ledit matériau superabsorbant dans ladite seconde région de couche primaire est configuré sous la forme d'une couche laminée entre des couches de papier mousseline.
  12. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit article comprend, en outre, une couche formant feuille dossier et une couche formant feuille supérieure sensiblement perméable aux liquides qui sont configurées de telle sorte que ledit noyau absorbant est pris en sandwich entre elles.
  13. Article selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ledit noyau absorbant a une Valeur de Conduction de Flux d'au moins environ 7*10-6 cm3; et
    l'une au moins desdites première et seconde régions de couche primaire a une Valeur de Méchage des Liquides d'au moins environ 16%.
  14. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'une au moins desdites première et seconde régions de couche primaire a une Valeur de Méchage des Liquides d'au moins environ 36%.
  15. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite seconde région de couche primaire inclut un matériau liant.
  16. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit noyau absorbant a une épaisseur à sec qui n'est pas supérieure à environ 6 mm et une largeur d'entrejambe minimale qui n'est pas supérieure à environ 10 cm.
  17. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, dans lequel ledit article est configuré pour être utilisé par un adulte et ledit noyau absorbant a une épaisseur à sec qui n'est pas supérieure à environ 6 mm et une largeur d'entrejambe minimale qui n'est pas supérieure à environ 14 cm.
  18. Article selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite première région de couche primaire est située sur un côté corporel du composite absorbant et ladite seconde région de couche primaire est située relativement vers l'extérieur par rapport à la première région de couche.
EP98953326A 1997-10-08 1998-10-08 Structure absorbante a couches Revoked EP1019002B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US96652 1979-11-23
US6145097P 1997-10-08 1997-10-08
US61450P 1997-10-08
US6217397P 1997-10-16 1997-10-16
US62173P 1997-10-16
US9665298A 1998-06-12 1998-06-12
PCT/US1998/021268 WO1999017695A1 (fr) 1997-10-08 1998-10-08 Structure absorbante a couches

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EP1019002A1 EP1019002A1 (fr) 2000-07-19
EP1019002B1 true EP1019002B1 (fr) 2006-08-16

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EP98953326A Revoked EP1019002B1 (fr) 1997-10-08 1998-10-08 Structure absorbante a couches

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EP (1) EP1019002B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2001518355A (fr)
KR (1) KR20010015719A (fr)
CN (1) CN1281348A (fr)
AR (1) AR017297A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU728432B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR9815244A (fr)
CA (1) CA2303329A1 (fr)
CO (1) CO5241353A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69835602T2 (fr)
HU (1) HU222759B1 (fr)
IL (1) IL134970A0 (fr)
MX (1) MX221268B (fr)
MY (1) MY132869A (fr)
NZ (1) NZ503629A (fr)
PH (1) PH11998002499B1 (fr)
PL (1) PL339775A1 (fr)
SK (1) SK4702000A3 (fr)
TR (1) TR200000939T2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999017695A1 (fr)

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DE69835602T2 (de) 2007-08-09
PH11998002499B1 (en) 2004-11-05
KR20010015719A (ko) 2001-02-26
HU222759B1 (hu) 2003-10-28
WO1999017695A1 (fr) 1999-04-15
TR200000939T2 (tr) 2000-11-21
BR9815244A (pt) 2000-10-24
DE69835602D1 (de) 2006-09-28
IL134970A0 (en) 2001-05-20
MXPA00003459A (es) 2000-11-01
HUP0003912A3 (en) 2001-03-28
AR017297A1 (es) 2001-09-05
NZ503629A (en) 2001-09-28
MY132869A (en) 2007-10-31
CO5241353A1 (es) 2003-01-31
AU728432B2 (en) 2001-01-11
PL339775A1 (en) 2001-01-02
EP1019002A1 (fr) 2000-07-19
AU1073199A (en) 1999-04-27
HUP0003912A2 (hu) 2001-02-28
SK4702000A3 (en) 2000-11-07
CA2303329A1 (fr) 1999-04-15
MX221268B (es) 2004-07-06
JP2001518355A (ja) 2001-10-16
CN1281348A (zh) 2001-01-24

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